Our Process

We Look at All Applicable International Freight Expense

OFR appeals to many importers and exporters who use ocean freight transportation services. In the past, we only went after refunds between our client and the ocean carrier. Now, we look at all of the applicable international ocean freight expense:

• Container Shipping Carrier – The primary shipping company that moves your freight across the ocean and to its final destination

• Customs House Broker – Clears cargo with US Customs, but often times is also tasked with paying the ocean carrier invoice on behalf of the client, similar to the freight payment company

• Freight Forwarder – Similar to a Customs House Broker except they tend to work with export moves, rather than import ocean freight shipping

• Freight Payment Company - May do a cursory audit, but usually lacks the skill set. Not usually compensated by the client to do an audit. Example: ocean carrier might correctly bill $1,150, but the freight payment company might pay the ocean carrier $11,150. (Often times, the bookkeeping is so inadequate, they don’t know to refund the difference)

• 3PL (third party logistics company) – An ocean carrier and customs house broker under one roof – the 3PL rents space from ocean carriers, and then resells the space to importers or exporters. Clients pay the 3PL a “marked up rate”, the rate then 3PL gets from the carrier, plus the 3PL’s profit 
   
• Existing “Auditor” (internal and external auditor)

As the easiest ocean freight auditor to do business with, our service requires no preparation time when we come in. No matter what setup you use, we can perform a comprehensive audit for you and achieve a successful outcome.

When we work to get you a refund we look at all components:

• Base ocean freight rates
• Fuel charges
• Any other surcharges the ocean carrier and client have agreed to

Example: If your ocean carrier billed you $10,000, but the invoice should have been $9,000 – We then apply for a refund of $1,000 from the ocean carrier who sends the refund or credit directly to you.

Even if you decide to use another freight audit company and have completed that audit, we are confident that we can secure an additional refund for you. Why? Ocean Freight Refunds is the industry’s only 100% pure play on ocean freight audit and refund – we know all the tricks and everything to look for. Other auditors that may have an expertise in “trucking” and only occasionally do ocean freight audits can’t possibly comprehend all the nuances of the ocean freight pricing and contracting environment.

The other thing to consider is this: Whether or not you have a contract with an ocean carrier, shipping rate and fuel cost changes can adjust  multiple times per year. This creates a complex billing situation – and one that almost always generates a refund through the auditing process.

Ocean Freight Refunds – Industry leading service and guaranteed refunds – or you don’t pay us.

Contact us today for a free assessment.